Paul and Francine Townsend also have roots in site-built stick houses: In 1985, their company, Sandcastle Group, won Project of the Year in Builder's Builder's Choice design awards program, for Spinnaker Island and Yacht Club in Hull, Mass. Sandcastle now builds modular homes exclusively. “Today's factories have almost unlimited designs, but most companies do not have in-house design staff to work with customers,” says Francine, who adds that, unlike most modular builders, Sandcastle uses design software to help customers visualize their homes.
“Factories are beginning to involve more architects,” Cutler says, “and they are getting better with consumers.” Cutler is doing his part, as well. Though he designs custom modular homes for private clients, he also does product for a handful of manufacturers. Nevertheless, Cutler says more needs to be done.
“There needs to be a sophisticated merchandising strategy, a greater selection of designs, and architects need to have more control over designs,” he says. “There also needs to be a gradual transition from a custom product to a semi-custom product.” In other words, builders need to offer consumers a better selection of standard products in order to gain greater efficiencies.
So with all the benefits and potential, how do architects use the efficiencies to bring about good-looking affordable homes? How would a site builder incorporate modular components to realize cost savings?
Harvey says builders could easily integrate modular homes into their schedules and save costs from decreased construction time, but Francine Townsend says it's not that easy.
Her company had been doing a mix of site building and modular for some time, turning to all-prefab only about three years ago. “For us, the economies of scale would not work if we [did] both stick and modular,” Townsend says. “Our success comes from our ability to maximize efficiencies with permitting, subcontractors, etc. We would not be so successful with our time line if we were trying to build both conventional and modular.” She says that until you make modular housing your main focus, it's complicated and you don't see the savings.
Atkinson admits that working within the modular process was “arduous and antagonistic,” but he says there is definite potential. “I think more architects should use the modular system and design within its parameters,” he says. This is likely to have a positive effect, says Harvey. “I think the more people are exposed to what's possible, it helps the industry.”